Kindermusik - Frequently Asked Questions
Are Kindermusik classes really "Music" classes? Do you play "real" instruments?YES! and YES! In EVERY class and in EVERY level progressed with in our classes- from newborn to age 5- your child is welcomed into a playful and nurturing environment where they will sing, move, play instruments, and hear stories—all while developing social skills, problem-solving skills, pre-math skills, and a foundation for reading.
Our research-based curriculum focuses on whole-child development and helps you understand how your child is developing musically, cognitively, physically, socially and in many other ways! Our classes include "real" developmentally appropriate instruments ( e.g.: bells, drums, resonator bars, triangle, rhythym sticks) that strengthen fine motor skills and inhibitory skills. This primes and prepares our students to play more advanced instruments- such as piano or a string instrument like violin, viola or cello. (For more information on how Kindermusik prepares a child for formal music instruction please click on this article.) At the same time they are also more fully prepared to engage in other physically challenging gross motor activities such as dance, gymnastics and other sports. |
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"Is my child too young for Kindermusik ?"
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Many wonder how Kindermusik can benefit a newborn baby or a child under 12 months. Engaging a child through music and movement on the part of the caregiver is one of the few sensory rich activities that "fires" the brain developmentally.
Did you know that research has proven the brain architecture of children develops rapidly within the first 2 months of life? And then progressively up until 2 years of age- a child will develop a majority of the neural connections needed for the rest of his life!! Music and movement strengthening activities have been proven to boost these connections. We have personally seen babies as young as 2 months magically react to their musical environment in our classes! In addition, we offer developmental education to parents during classtimes demonstrating daily movement and floor time with their babies, intentional touch, infant massage, ASL (American Sign Language) and establishing "I love you" routines and rituals that can elevate your bonds and reduce frustrations with transitions. There is also the support system of being with other Moms and developing lifelong friendships! We welcome you to try our classes to experience why its never too young to Let it Begin with Kindermusik! |
"Are Kindermusik classes only for certain
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"What if my child has an upsetting moment or they are in need of a diaper change or feeding?"
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We understand the need for comfort as these are new surroundings for children- especially on the first day!
Feel free to relax in our “Comfort Corner” with our bear and blanket and I Love You rituals/suggestions for calming them. There is an area for diaper changings and you are welcome to attend to any of their other needs whilst we continue with our class activities! In addition, children are still benefiting from our music and class activities even when they are only listening! When your child feels ready to rejoin and/or fully participate in the class they may do so naturally and in their own way. ;-) |
"How is class safety and sickness handled?"
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No matter how much FUN we have in class - our activities are also
SAFETY focused! All instruments, props and scarves etc. are cleaned and sterilized regularly. Hand sanitizer, tissue, paper towels and wipes are always available. When we return instruments- we take special care to seperate "mouthed" ones to a special basket to assure extra proper cleaning. We ask that the older children refrain from eating during class as it is a big distraction because we ALL love food!! Water is allowed of course because there is a need to stay hydrated due to our movement activities! If you or your child are sick please stay home to get well. Please be fever, rash etc. free for 24 hours before returning to class. Thank you so much in advance for your consideration! |
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HOW WE TAKE PRECAUTIONS IN KINDERMUSIK:
We take tremendous care as we always do in our Kindermusik classes to keep our instruments clean before, between and after classes. Also we encourage you and your child to wash hands before and after class. Our enrolled families also follow a protocol in non attendance if their children fall ill- in order to protect other children from contagious sickness. PLEASE SEE MORE: KINDERMUSIK FAQ'S ON SICKNESS 5 WAYS TO PROTECT CHILDREN DURING FLU SEASON |
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"I feel self conscious about singing. What if I don’t have a good singing voice? Or I don’t know the words to the songs?"Remember your BABY loves YOU and YOUR voice since the first moment they heard you lovingly speak to them! Think of the power that has when you sing to them!
We usually sing any unfamiliar songs in sound bites and echo plays so that you can become familiar right away in class with our music! We welcome all styles of singing and participation and we recommend humming before you engage in song with us. And when they see YOU engage with us THEY will want to engage too! We believe that YOU are your child’s FIRST music teacher because of your LOVE for your child. So our philosophy is to integrate our Kindermusik online materials and CD’s at home on a daily basis. This will help the entire family enjoy singing and practicing the songs we repeat in class for about a month or so. So let’s sing for the children! |
We hope that these FAQ’s will help you feel more at ease in our Kindermusik classes! They are very different than the traditional classroom setting. We believe in celebrating the potential of each and every child - really the “whole child”…
and that is why we are confident you will LOVE our classes for the engaging way we move, sing and dance together!
Kindermusik is a place where many new parents and families can connect and form meaningful lifelong friendships - lasting well beyond the classes experienced. We hope this becomes your experience as well!
We’re looking forward to our next class with YOU and YOUR CHILD!
Warmly,
Nicole Ballinger
Kindermusik Educator
and that is why we are confident you will LOVE our classes for the engaging way we move, sing and dance together!
Kindermusik is a place where many new parents and families can connect and form meaningful lifelong friendships - lasting well beyond the classes experienced. We hope this becomes your experience as well!
We’re looking forward to our next class with YOU and YOUR CHILD!
Warmly,
Nicole Ballinger
Kindermusik Educator